Michael McIntyre’s Big Show is back for a ninth series in January 2026, bringing its signature mix of celebrity surprises and audience banter back to BBC One. Here is the complete guide to the new series, including episode dates, streaming options, critical reception, and a health update on the host.

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Network: BBC One ·
Series 9 Premiere: 17 January 2026 ·
Typical Air Time: Saturday evenings ·
Format: Variety comedy with celebrity segments ·
Filming Location: Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London ·
Available On: BBC iPlayer

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of episodes beyond the six confirmed (typical series range 6–8)
  • Full guest list for the remaining episodes
  • Whether the show will be renewed for Series 10
  • Potential impact of Michael McIntyre’s past health issues on future production
3Timeline signal
  • 2015: Series 1 premieres on BBC One
  • 2015–2025: Eight series broadcast, establishing as a Saturday night staple
  • 17 Jan 2026: Series 9 begins with Episode 1 (Peter Crouch & Abbey Clancy)
  • Mid-2026: Series 9 concludes, future renewal decision pending
4What’s next
  • Remaining episodes air weekly on Saturday evenings through late February 2026
  • BBC iPlayer catch-up availability for each episode within hours of broadcast
  • Likely renewal announcement for Series 10 later in 2026
  • Potential tour announcement from Michael McIntyre in parallel

The key facts about the series are summarised in the table below.

Key facts about Michael McIntyre’s Big Show Series 9
Attribute Details
Network BBC One
First Aired 2015
Series 9 Premiere 17 January 2026
Episodes in Series 9 6 (confirmed)
Format Variety comedy with audience interaction
Presenter Michael McIntyre
Production Company Hungry Bear Media
Filming Location Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London
Episode Runtime Approximately 59 minutes
Streaming (UK) BBC iPlayer, Sky Go
Streaming (US) Requires VPN for BBC iPlayer

What time is Michael McIntyre’s Big Show 2026?

When does Series 9 start?

Series 9 of Michael McIntyre’s Big Show premiered on Saturday, 17 January 2026, at 6:45pm on BBC One, according to the Reelgood streaming guide (UK TV schedule tracker). Episode One featured football star Peter Crouch and his wife Abbey Clancy as the “Unexpected Star of the Show” — a segment that has become a fan favourite since the show’s early series.

What is the typical Saturday evening time slot?

The show generally occupies the early Saturday evening slot on BBC One, usually between 6:30pm and 7:30pm. This positions it as accessible family entertainment before the later peak-time schedule. The pilot episode of Series 9 aired at 6:45pm, consistent with the pattern used for Series 8 in 2025.

Are there any confirmed episode dates in 2026?

  • Episode 1: Saturday, 17 January 2026 (Peter Crouch & Abbey Clancy) (British Comedy Guide episode database)
  • Episode 2: Saturday, 24 January 2026
  • Episode 3: Saturday, 31 January 2026
  • Episode 4: Saturday, 7 February 2026
  • Episode 5: Saturday, 14 February 2026
  • Episode 6: Saturday, 21 February 2026 (finale TBC)

The implication: with six episodes confirmed, Series 9 will run through most of February 2026, giving fans a solid six-week run of McIntyre’s signature blend of stand-up, celebrity interaction, and musical performances.

The upshot

For UK viewers, the Saturday 6:45pm slot means the show is designed as appointment viewing — accessible enough for families, late enough to feel like a proper weekend treat.

Where can I watch the Big Show with Michael McIntyre?

Is it broadcast on BBC One?

Yes, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show airs exclusively on BBC One in the UK, the BBC’s primary free-to-air channel. The Reelgood streaming guide (UK TV schedule tracker) confirms that BBC One remains the sole broadcast outlet for new episodes.

Can I stream it on BBC iPlayer?

Absolutely. Every episode becomes available on BBC iPlayer shortly after broadcast, in HD quality with closed captions. A valid UK TV licence is required for legal streaming, as noted by the Reelgood streaming guide (UK TV schedule tracker). JustWatch streaming aggregator confirms that as of late January 2026, at least 3 episodes were available on iPlayer for catch-up viewing.

Is it available on Netflix or Apple TV?

  • Netflix: No. Michael McIntyre’s Big Show is not available on Netflix. (The unrelated series “The Big Show Show” on Netflix is a different programme entirely.)
  • Apple TV: Yes, individual episodes can be purchased or rented on Apple TV in the UK, as listed by JustWatch streaming aggregator.
  • Sky Go: Sky subscribers can also stream episodes via Sky Go, per the same JustWatch streaming aggregator listing.

What this means: UK viewers have multiple options — free catch-up via iPlayer, on-demand purchase via Apple TV, or live broadcast — while US viewers face a geo-restriction wall that requires a VPN and a UK TV licence to access iPlayer.

The catch

For international fans, the geo-restriction is the single biggest barrier. Unlike Netflix Originals, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show is a BBC commission tied to UK licensing, so legal streaming outside the UK requires third-party workarounds like VPNs.

What are the critics saying about McIntyre’s shows?

What is the general critical reception of the Big Show?

The series has earned generally positive reviews over its nine-series run. Critics consistently highlight McIntyre’s natural audience rapport and the show’s variety format. The BBC’s official YouTube channel (broadcaster’s promotional platform) promotes the new season as “bigger than ever” — a tagline that suggests confidence in the format’s ongoing appeal.

How does it compare to his previous chat show?

McIntyre’s earlier attempt at a conventional chat show, The Michael McIntyre Chat Show, was less well-received and was not renewed after a single series in 2025. The contrast is instructive: the Big Show‘s variety format — with its high-energy games, musical performances, and unexpected celebrity involvement — plays to McIntyre’s strengths as a stand-up comedian and audience interactor more effectively than a standard desk-and-couch interview format.

What format elements do critics highlight?

Two segments consistently receive praise:

  • Celebrity Send to All: Celebrities unknowingly send mass text messages to their contacts, with hilarious consequences.
  • Unexpected Star of the Show: An audience member discovers they are a surprise performer, often alongside a celebrity guest.

Episode One of Series 9 showcased this latter segment with Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy, reinforcing its position as the show’s signature piece.

The pattern: McIntyre succeeds when the format is built around controlled chaos and audience participation, not scripted interview segments.

Has Michael McIntyre been ill?

What health issues has Michael McIntyre faced?

Michael McIntyre has spoken publicly about undergoing emergency surgery in the past, though specific details remain private. There is no verified information suggesting that his health has directly impacted the production of Series 9. The series premiered on schedule in January 2026, and McIntyre continues to perform and film the show at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Did his health affect the production of the Big Show?

Based on available episode schedules and the BBC’s promotional campaign for Series 9 — including the trailer released via the BBC’s official YouTube channel (broadcaster’s promotional platform) — there is no evidence of production delays related to McIntyre’s health. Six episodes were commissioned and all aired on their scheduled Saturdays.

Is he in good health for Series 9?

McIntyre appears in good health in promotional materials and has actively hosted the first episodes of Series 9. The Reelgood streaming guide (UK TV schedule tracker) confirms him as the lead presenter for the entire series. That said, McIntyre’s past health struggles remain a private matter, and no official statement from the BBC or his representatives has addressed whether any ongoing condition could affect future series.

The trade-off: fans can enjoy Series 9 with confidence that the show is running as planned, but the lack of transparency around McIntyre’s health means the renewal for Series 10 carries a small asterisk.

Bottom line: Michael McIntyre’s Big Show is back for Series 9 — six episodes airing Saturday evenings on BBC One and streaming on iPlayer. For UK fans, it’s easy catch-up viewing. For international viewers, a VPN and TV licence are needed. The show’s format is winning with critics, and McIntyre appears healthy and active. The open question is whether a tenth series follows.

What series is Michael McIntyre’s Big Show on?

How many series have aired?

As of early 2026, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show has completed eight full series and is currently in its ninth. The show first premiered in 2015, as confirmed by the British Comedy Guide episode database, and has aired consistently since, with typical breaks between series of 12–18 months.

When did Series 9 begin?

Series 9 began on 17 January 2026 with a 6:45pm slot on BBC One. The premiere date was announced via the BBC’s promotional channels, including the trailer on the BBC’s official YouTube channel (broadcaster’s promotional platform).

What is the typical number of episodes per series?

Series 1–8 ranged from 6 to 8 episodes each. Series 9 has been confirmed with six episodes, according to the British Comedy Guide episode database. This puts it at the lower end of the range, though the BBC has not commented on whether future series will revert to 7–8 episodes.

The implication: the six-episode format for Series 9 suggests a tighter production window, possibly reflecting the BBC’s post-2025 scheduling adjustments or McIntyre’s own touring commitments.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Michael McIntyre’s Big Show suitable for children?

Yes. The show carries a PG rating and is generally considered family-friendly. McIntyre’s comedy is clean by stand-up standards, and the celebrity segments are designed for broad audience appeal.

How can I get tickets for the Big Show?

Tickets are typically distributed via the BBC’s audience booking system (bbc.co.uk/showsandtours). Filming takes place at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London. Demand is high, so registration well in advance is recommended.

Who are the regular guests on the show?

There are no permanent co-hosts. Each episode features different celebrity guests for segments like Celebrity Send to All, plus surprise audience participants for Unexpected Star of the Show.

Why was the show off air before 2026?

Between Series 8 (which began in 2024 and completed in 2025) and Series 9, there was a standard production gap of approximately 8–12 months, typical for BBC variety programming.

What is the set format of each episode?

Each episode follows a loose structure: an opening stand-up monologue from McIntyre, followed by Celebrity Send to All, a musical performance, Unexpected Star of the Show, and a closing comedy segment.

How long is a typical episode?

Approximately 59 minutes, per JustWatch streaming aggregator.

Does Michael McIntyre still perform stand-up on the show?

Yes. McIntyre opens most episodes with a stand-up routine, typically related to his family life or observational comedy. This remains a key differentiator from standard Saturday night variety shows.

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Editor’s note: This article was compiled from official BBC sources, streaming platform data, and episode databases. Episode dates and availability are correct as of publication but may be subject to change by the broadcaster.